It represented the only time nerves fluttered in Osweiler's stomach all week. Kubiak told Osweiler he would make a speech to the team to close out its meeting.

"That was pretty hectic. He gave me about five minutes to prepare," Osweiler said.

Osweiler gazed out at his teammates, won over the room, then several hours later won his starting debut, guiding the Broncos to an efficient, if not dramatic 17-15 victory over the Chicago Bears.

His teammates left the ballroom inspired, and exited Soldier Field invigorated after avoiding the team's first three-game losing streak since 2011. For three seasons, Osweiler stood on the curb while the parade went down Main Street. Given his opportunity, Osweiler led with the confidence of a clenched fist on his 25th birthday. He cataloged Peyton Manning's advice, and he channeled John Elway's kicking and screaming mantra in his message.

"He let us know not to worry about him. He referred to something that Elway had said before, about going into a game knowing we are going to a beat team and focusing on by how badly we are going to do it," said receiver Cody Latimer, who caught the go-ahead touchdown. "Brock took control in the game just like he did at the hotel. After he was done talking, guys were like 'Let's Go!'"

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This is what happens when teams rescue seasons. They receive contributions from unlikely places and players. The idea of Osweiler rallying the team seemed preposterous three weeks ago after Manning trounced the Green Bay Packers. But Manning didn't even make this trip. He requires around-the-clock treatment on a torn plantar fascia in his left foot and sore ribs, injuries that are expected to prevent him from playing Sunday against the New England Patriots.

On a refrigerator cold afternoon, sun reflecting off the frozen grass, Osweiler became an NFL quarterback. He took care of the ball, he made plays when necessary, and he never let the stage become too big.

Osweiler finished with 20 completions on 27 attempts for 250 yards and two touchdowns. For the first time this season, the Broncos didn't commit a turnover. Osweiler's performance was not without flaws. The Broncos scored 17 points against the league's 24th-ranked defense, and he tripped running back Ronnie Hillman on a fourth-down play on the 2-yard line. But Sunday will be remembered for how he delivered, backing up Saturday's bravado with an iron gut.

"He did a heck of a job, and this team played well around him," said Kubiak after his team improved to 8-2. "I am very proud of him. He was ready."

White-knuckling a 10-9 lead in the fourth quarter, Osweiler took over at his 29-yard line. He completed 4-of-6 passes for 49 yards, finishing with a 10-yard scoring strike to Latimer. It shoved Denver ahead 17-9 with 10:03 remaining.

The drive provided a snapshot of Osweiler's efficiency. He remained averse to risk, trusting his eyes and the play calls. His large chunks of time under center — 52 of 69 snaps — and accompanying bootlegs proved catalytic for the running game. Denver finished with season highs in rushing yards (170) and attempts (36).

"When we played the Packers, we were balanced in the pistol (formation). The difference today is that we just did our jobs again," Broncos running back C.J. Anderson said.

In a season where nothing has come easily, former Denver coach John Fox threatened to spoil the Broncos' coalesced offense. Even as fans headed for the parking lot, the Bears made a final push. Quarterback Jay Cutler marched Chicago 65 yards in 80 seconds with running back Jeremy Langford scoring on a 2-yard run. It set up a potential tying two-point conversion with 29 seconds remaining.

The Bears spread the field, casting three receivers left and one right. From that formation, the Broncos believed they would see one of two things: a pick play or a Langford rush into the line. When Cutler handed to the running back, safety T.J. Ward smashed into him, leaving the rookie well short of the goal line.

"That just shows you the style of defense we like to play," Ward said. "It was a relief because I don't think they got down there by honest measure (because of penalties)."

The Broncos' opening and closing arguments could not have gone better if scripted.

In his first drive as a starter, Osweiler accomplished something Manning couldn't pull off this season. He led the Broncos to a touchdown on their first possession. It marked the first time the Broncos have scored on an opening drive since Oct. 4.

Even more impressive, Osweiler's family was there to see it. After their flight was canceled, his parents John and Kathy Osweiler drove from Denver, arriving in Chicago in the middle of the night. His brother Tanner made it from Montana. The Denver flight for Osweiler's wife, Erin, was scratched, so she raced to Colorado Springs to catch a flight to Chicago with a layover in Dallas.

They weren't missing his debut.

Some moments matter more than others.

"It was incredible," Osweiler said. "I am so happy they all made it. But I am telling you, it's not about me. It's about us winning as a team."

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